Narrabri and Wee Waa's Out of Town Adventures

Explore over 70 of the region’s wonderful cultural experiences - visit artist studios, galleries, museums and public art sites, discover a rich and diverse artistic landscape right on our doorstep. Follow one of the suggested Country Art Escapes tours or create your own art trail.

Plan a day trip or create a longer tour of the region and take the opportunity to sprinkle your cultural tour with fabulous food, wine and accommodation and eclectic local festivals. Visit www.artsnwconnect.com.au & www.artsnw.com.au/event-calendar to create your own art trail adventure!

Located on the banks of the Mehi River, in the centre of vast black-soil plains, the town is rich in culture, history, agricultural and natural assets, highlights include:

• Bank Art Museum - housed in one of the town’s iconic heritage buildings, BAAM is home to Moree’s public art collection plus an ever-changing program of outstanding exhibitions from local artists and travelling shows. It also holds the most significant collection of Aboriginal paintings in regional NSW and hosts regular workshops, art classes and special events. 25 Frome Street, Moree.

• Yaama Ganu Gallery - a not-for-profit Aboriginal art gallery and home to the popular Café Gali. The Gallery proudly supports and exhibits consigned works from artists of the local Kamilaroi Nation and Aboriginal managed Art Centres from communities around the country. 211 Balo Street, Moree.

• Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre - this modern facility draws bathers from all over Australia and the world to experience the reputed healing properties of the mineral rich artesian waters, pumped from the depths and naturally heated to 41°C . The centre is also home to a well-equipped gym with personal training and a variety of classes, plus adult swimming lessons and café. You’ll never have a better sleep than after a relaxing dip in the hot pools – it’s an absolute must! 20 Anne Street, Moree.

• The award winning Moree Visitor Information Centre is the ideal place to discover the town and surrounds with many self-guided brochure options to get you started, including motoring tours, CBD Art Trails and wonderful Heritage and Art Deco Walks highlighting historic sites and examples of Moree’s unique architecture. The friendly staff at the Centre can also book you a spot on a tour to a local cotton or pecan farm. 67 Alice Street, Moree.

• Moree Water Park - three purpose-built recreational lakes ideal for water skiing, rowing, dragon and power boat racing, jet skiing, wakeboard, canoeing and kayaking. Check Facebook for regular events. Toilets, BBQ and picnic table. Tapscott Road, Moree.

• Pally Pub (30min drive from Moree) - this venue has quickly become a must-do for locals and visitors alike, pop out for a delicious lunch or dinner at the Golden Grain Bistro, with regular weekend live music and events. 59 Bingara Street, Pallamallawa.

Boggabri is a quaint town with a rich agricultural history, known for wheat and cotton farming, as well as its proximity to a number of coal mines. Boggabri maintains a strong sense of community and celebrates its heritage through events that showcase the region's agricultural and pastoral traditions, including the popular Boggabri Drovers' Campfire. Highlights surrounding Boggabri include:

• Dripping Rock – a small, serene rockpool lies at the base of a towering semi-circular cliff where water seeps through sedimentary rock to drip down the 50m high wall, and cascades after good rain. This is the perfect spot for a picnic and a cool dip under the refreshing spray on a hot day. The site can be difficult to find, and the road is 4WD only, so please pick up a map from the Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre, plus to check if the gates are open or locked.

• Gin’s Leap – the striking, sheer rock face has been known by many names over the years, with the widely accepted origins of the current name describing a pair of ill-fated young Aboriginal lovers caught in a tragic story reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet. The young girl, promised to an elder of her nation (the Kamilaroi), ran away with a young Aboriginal man from another tribe. Whist being pursued by Kamilaroi tribesmen, the lovers jumped to their death from the summit. In the shadow of Gin’s Leap is a vault, which was the final resting place for two members of the Grover family who owned the Rock Inn, (an early mail stop and changing station for the Cobb and Co. coaches) and a serving girl from the Inn, Mary Ann Mein, who died in 1858. These are the only reminders of the once bustling Inn’s existence.

https://narrabri.net/Attractions/Dripping-Rock-and-Gins-Leap

Offers an impressive range of off-road biking activities for ATV and trail bike riders, featuring marked trails suitable for all abilities with a backdrop of spectacular scenery. Camping and cabins available.

4188 Killarney Gap Road, Rocky Creek

www.biketerritory.com.au/

A vibrant country town combining a picturesque position on the banks of the Namoi River with local attractions and retail therapy. Due to the abundant variety of favoured eucalyptus and freedom from disease, Gunnedah has had a steady koala population living in and around town and scattered throughout the Shire. Locals and visitors alike feel privileged to have access to these endangered Australian icons. A 30min drive from Gunnedah is Lake Keepit - the lake is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour and is a popular destination for water sports and fishing enthusiasts, nature lovers, campers and picnickers. For a thrilling yet wonderfully peaceful experience and a glorious view, hop into a sailplane with Lake Keepit Soaring Club.

www.visitgunnedah.com.au/

https://reflectionsholidayparks.com.au/park/lake-keepit/

https://keepitsoaring.com/

Kick back on the verandah with a tasty counter meal and regular live music. Just down the road, the Wean Amateur Picnic Race Day is held every July and has been a highlight of the North West social calender since 1933 - this family-friendly event is one of the last remaining traditional picnic races in NSW.

23 Baranbah Street, Baan Baa,

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057325515002

https://www.facebook.com/weanraces/

Delightful, picturesque town nestled in the hills alongside the meandering Gwydir River, highlights include:

• The Roxy Theatre and Greek Café - built by three Greek partners from the island of Kythera as a magnificent art deco cinema with an adjoining café, the theatre operated until 1958, after which it was closed and left untouched for forty years. Beautifully and faithfully restored to its former glory in 2004 and now open to the public as a cinema, performing arts venue and multi-purpose function centre. The Café operated as a Chinese restaurant until 2011, when it also underwent a transformation back to its Greek café heritage and is a wonderful 1930’s time capsule. 74 Maitland Street, Bingara

• Wade Horses Bingara - trail rides for all ages and ability levels along the glorious Gwydir River. "Garrawilla", Keera Street, Bingara

• Myall Creek Massacre Memorial - one of Australia’s most important reconciliation sites commemorating the unprovoked massacre of twenty-eight Wirrayaraay women, children and old men by a group of stockmen in 1838. This is the only massacre for which Europeans were charged, found guilty and punished, with seven men hanged as a result. An annual Friends of Myall Creek Memorial Service attracts people from all over Australia and is held every June long weekend at the Myall Creek Memorial monument. Join in the story with a highly produced audio walk, which was produced in collaboration with local community - download the free Soundtrails App then open Myall Creek. Whitlow Road, Myall Creek

• The Rocky Creek Glacial Area – over 290 million years of weathering and erosion of the original glacial landscape has created many different sizes and types of boulders, all cemented together in the creek bed with finer gravels, sand and clay. This makes it the perfect spot to picnic alongside the tumbling water, rock hop or cool off in a crystal clear rockpool. Camping and bush toilets. Killarney Gap Road, Bingara

At three times the capacity of Sydney Harbour and with the longest recreational boat ramp in the Southern Hemisphere, Copeton Dam is a wonder to behold! A recently completed $5.7mil upgrade to the Northern Foreshores have made it the perfect spot for day trips or longer stays. The dam is ideal for powerboating, waterskiing and wakeboarding, kayaking, swimming and is paradise for fishing enthusiasts, especially those chasing the metre plus Murray Cod. Drive across the dam wall for sweeping views over the lake and mountains. Boat hire, kiosk, BBQs, toilets and shower facilities, camping and cabins available.

www.reflectionsholidayparks.com.au/park/copeton-waters/

Tamworth is well known for its annual country music festival in January, however this vibrant, thriving city is so much more than golden guitars, sad songs and rhinestones! It is the regional capital for sporting, retail, food and entertainment making it the perfect day trip or weekend escape.

• Tamworth Regional Astronomy & Science Centre - state-of-the-art astronomical observatory, planetarium and multi-purpose science centre, ideal for both amateur astronomers and the general public to enjoy a hands-on astro-science experience. Operated by Tamworth Regional Council and the Tamworth Regional Astronomy Club. Victoria Park Precinct, Piper Street, East Tamworth

• The Capitol Theatre - a 402 seat, purpose-built proscenium arch theatre hosting a dynamic annual season of events and is a regular stop on the national touring circuit. Level 1 Centrepoint Arcade, 374 Peel Street, Tamworth

• Forum 6 Cinema - a multiplex which also houses the Capitol Theatre. In addition to all the blockbusters, Forum 6 plays retro classics, hosts travelling film festivals and Film Society selections throughout the year. Level 1 Centrepoint Arcade 374 Peel Street, Tamworth

• Tamworth Regional Entertainment Conference Centre (TREC) - this multi-purpose venue is home to a full calendar of events and seats up to 4,800 in full Concert Mode. It boasts superior audio and visual technology, catering and bar areas, green rooms and flexible stage configurations. Greg Norman Drive, Hillvue

• Marsupial Park - well-tended, 14-hectare bush oasis with a variety of native animals, a free flight aviary, roaming peacocks and network of wonderful bushwalking tracks. BBQ’s, sheltered picnic tables and toilets. Endeavour Drive, East Tamworth

• Kamilaroi Walking Track - the Oxley Scenic Lookout is surrounded by natural bushland and is base camp for the Kamilaroi Walking Track. The track winds its way through the scenic scrub of Oxley Park linking the Botanic Gardens, Marsupial Park, Oxley Lookout and Flagstaff Mountain. Some sections of the track are moderate however other sections are quite challenging, the track is well sign posted.

• Tamworth Regional Gallery - the second oldest regional gallery in NSW hosts a range of local and national touring exhibitions and offers a wide and varying range of public programs, artist talks and workshops. Level 1/466 Peel Street, Tamworth

• Len Waters Cultural Tours - Len Waters is a proud Kamilaroi man and a gifted storyteller and communicator, with over 20 years’ experience working in Aboriginal tertiary education. Len gives participants the opportunity to walk in ancient footsteps while listening to traditional songs and stories via guided tours of significant cultural areas in the region, stargazing and storytelling evenings.

• Weswal Gallery - an outstanding commercial fine art gallery and design store specialising in works from emerging to established local, regional and national contemporary Australian artists and creatives. In addition to a regularly changing and diverse exhibition program, the gallery also offers a range of unique giftware, plus periodical workshops and social events. 192 Brisbane Street, Tamworth

• Glasshouse Restaurant (20min drive from Tamworth) - award-winning restaurant with sweeping views over the rolling hills of the historic Goonoo Goonoo Station and the distant Liverpool Range. Accommodation also available. Goonoo Goonoo Station, 13304 New England Highway, Timbumburi

First sunk in 1921 and located in a peaceful rural setting, the artesian water bubbling up from the depths maintains a constant temperature of approximately 36˚C and has reputed therapeutic qualities to relieve tired and aching muscles. The baths are open 24hours, so perfect for a soak under the stars and while you are there, pop down the road to the Junction City Hotel for a counter meal. Kamilaroi Highway, Burren Junction

https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/outback-nsw/lightning-ridge-area/walgett/accommodation/burren-junction-bore-baths-and-camp-ground

A completely unique destination known for its opal mining and vibrant artistic community, this historic outback town is the "Black Opal Capital of the World". The town's multicultural atmosphere is enriched by the diversity of its residents, including miners, artists, and artisans who contribute to its rich creative scene. The town has long fascinated visitors with its surreal landscapes and underground dwellings called "dugouts," which provide respite from the scorching heat in Summer. Attractions like the Chambers of the Black Hand and the Astronomer's Monument contribute to an extraordinary experience for those seeking adventure, cultural immersion, and the allure of precious opals.

https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/outback-nsw/lightning-ridge-area/lightning-ridge

A favorite watering hole for locals and travelers alike, great meals, a great spot by the fire pit and regular live music. Every year, the community congregates for the fabulous Rowena Cracker Night, a fun event for the whole family which draws over a thousand people from around the region.

The small village of Bellata is known as an excellent place for fossickers looking for agate, jasper, carnelian, petrified opal and petrified wood. For further information see the Narrabri Visitor Information Centre.

Jump on the train in Narrabri and enjoy the gorgeous scenic journey to the little town of Willow Tree, where you will arrive just in time for a delicious lunch and a spot of shopping. After dessert, wander back to the station for the relaxing trip home.

• Graze Restaurant and Bistro at the Willow Tree Inn – built in 1913, this award-winning venue produces its own lamb and black angus beef on nearby Collee Creek Station and has a lovely outdoor dining area. Accommodation also available... why not stay the night and catch the train home the next day! 18 New England Hwy, Willow Tree

• Plains Pantry Gourmet Grocer – great café with delicious food and coffee, a fantastic selection of local and specialty fresh produce and goods, plus a variety of lovely giftware. 18 New England Hwy, Willow Tree

Experience the exhilaration of discovering the beauty of our region from the air! Get an unforgettable, birds-eye-view tour of remote and inaccessible parts of the Nandewar Ranges, Pilliga Pottery and the Warrumbungles and Mount Kaputar.

https://northwesthelicopters.com.au/scenic-flights/